Karine Harutyunyan

Karine Harutyunyan was born on October 22, 1958, in the picturesque town of Stepanavan, Armenia, into a family that deeply valued professionalism and education. Her father, an economist, and her mother, a Meritorious Teacher of Armenia, nurtured her passion for learning and the arts from a young age. Growing up in an environment that celebrated knowledge and creativity, she graduated with honors from Stepanavan Secondary School No. 1 and Stepanavan Music School No. 1. 

Her musical journey took flight at the Kristapor Kara-Murza Music College in Leninakan (Gyumri), where she majored in piano under the guidance of H. Kyosababyan from 1973 to 1977, graduating with honors. She continued her pursuit of excellence at the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan between 1978 and 1983, further refining her skills under A. Mokatsyan.

In 1983, Karine embarked on her professional career at the Mikayel Tavrizyan Music College in Kirovakan, where she shared her passion for music as a piano instructor, chamber ensemble teacher, and accompanist for five enriching years. In 1988, she relocated to Yerevan after marrying a dedicated physician. Her family, including her son, an ophthalmologist, and her daughter, an architect, has remained a source of joy and inspiration throughout her life.

Between 1988 and 1994, she continued to cultivate young musicians at the Barsegh Kanachyan Music School. Since 1994, she has served as a piano teacher and the head of the piano department at the A. Spendiarian Specialized Music School No. 1, fostering the next generation of musicians. She also currently teaches at the Tchaikovsky Specialized Music School.

Throughout her career, Harutyunyan has received numerous awards and recognitions, affirming her commitment to music education and dedication to nurturing talent. In 2015, she was awarded the prestigious title of Meritorious Teacher of Armenia by the President of Armenia, a recognition she holds dear for her years of service to the field of music and her unwavering passion for teaching.

Over the years, she has also received Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of her mentorship of talented students. She has been an invited specialist at the Cultural Support Fund of the Ministry of Culture of Armenia and has conducted master classes in various regions of Armenia and Artsakh. She has also been honored with Certificates of Appreciation from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia in 2015, 2021, and 2022, acknowledging her role in preparing laureates for the Delphic Games of the CIS countries, a testament to her dedication to music education and the outstanding achievements of her students on the international stage.

Her international recognition includes awards from esteemed festivals such as Vladimir Spivakov’s «Moscow Meets Friends» Festival in 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2023. She has also received Certificates of Appreciation from Yuri Bashmet’s «Children’s Music Academy» in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2023 for her contributions to music education and the success of her students in Samara, Russia. Additionally, she has been honored with Certificates of Appreciation from various national and international competitions. 

Karine Harutyunyan’s achievements include Diplomas of Honor from the Ministry of Culture of Armenia in 2008, 2015, and 2022, as well as Diplomas of Honor from the Yerevan Municipality in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2015. She was also awarded a Diploma of Appreciation at the «Sergey Oskolkov and Friends» International Festival in Saint Petersburg and received the Grand Prix Award for preparing a laureate and serving as a jury member at the «Forum Forte» International Competition in Saint Petersburg in 2023.

Twice recognized as the Best Teacher of the Year, Harutyunyan’s dedication to nurturing young talents has been widely acknowledged. The well-known «New Names» Foundation has recognized her work with multiple certifications. In 2012, she received the Special Prize for Best Teacher at the 9th Arno Babajanyan Pianist Competition. In 2023, she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the «Small Step» Competition for her role as a jury member and for preparing a Grand Prix-winning student.

In June 2024, she had the honor of performing with the Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Conductor E. Topchyan, at the AGBU Foundation Competition, where she presented two Grand Prix-winning students. These awards and recognitions reflect her lifelong passion for teaching and her commitment to guiding young musicians toward success.

Karine Harutyunyan’s greatest pride lies not in the awards themselves but in the accomplishments of her students. Their collective success—approximately 80 Grand Prix, laureate, and diploma awards in various competitions—speaks to their hard work, dedication, and talent.

Many of her students have had the privilege of performing with prestigious orchestras, showcasing their talent on various stages. They have performed with the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra, the Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by E. Topchyan, and the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra led by S. Smbatyan. Their musical journeys have also taken them to the Opera Symphony Orchestra, conducted by K. Durgaryan, and internationally, they have performed with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra under Sergey Tataryin, the Saint Petersburg Symphony Orchestra led by Alexey Karaganov, and the Saint Petersburg State Governor’s Symphony Orchestra conducted by Anton Lubchenko.

Some of her students are members of notable programs such as the «Start» Talented Children’s Development Program, «New Names,» «Music for the Future,» «Atken Armenian,» and «Artis Futura,» which provide them with remarkable opportunities to further grow in their musical careers.

Notably, her student Aida Avanesyan emerged as a Top 10 finalist in Armenia’s Classical Eurovision selection round in April 2024.

Beyond awards and formal recognitions, Karine Harutyunyan finds her greatest joy in witnessing her students’ musical journeys unfold, each performance a testament to their dedication and artistry. As she continues her teaching journey, she remains deeply committed to fostering a love for music and instilling a sense of purpose in her students, hoping to inspire the next generation of artists to touch hearts around the world.